Since it is pretty clear that I think rustic weddings are beautiful it should also be clear that I think they are beautiful because of the natural beauty surrounding them. To help keep the natural beauty intact I think all brides should have a little “green” style on the brain. Today’s real wedding really shows that an eco-friendly rustic wedding can be beautiful and leave a low carbon footprint. Justin & Jenny were married on a 20 acre prairie restored by the brides family. The Ozark Mountains were the backdrop. They said “I Do!” under a 10 foot arch made by the groom with driftwood claimed after a storm. The goal of the couple was to have a small carbon impact for the ceremony. It became a challenge to find things that were recycled, vintage (like the wedding gown), upcycled, thrifted and borrowed.
Here are a few eco-friendly tips from the bride: All of our cups, plates, utensils and napkins at the reception were 100% biodegradable and Compostable.I feel like so much at weddings is a one day thing thats so wasteful. I wanted to create something beautiful that didn’t fill up a landfill. Once I started thinking “Will this have use after my wedding? Is it unnecessary? Can I think of a greener way to achieve the same look?” It became really fun. All the flowers for the bridal bouquet, centerpieces, flower girls petals and groom’s boutonniere were picked by the brides father from the prairie. It was another way to use the local resources we had and they were free!
Sources – photography: Aaron Szabo of Imagine Film Company
8 Comments
Green with NV
May 2, 2012 at 3:44 pmWhat a beautiful site to begin your marriage! I’ve been a florist for 25+ years and I always urged my brides to find as many ways they can to save $$$ in places they can and put the savings into the things they can’t do themselves. Weddings aren’t effortless or inexpensive and professional services are needed…florists, photographers, caterers, musicians…the list goes on.
Another suggestion I always make to my brides is envision your wedding pictures (that ‘ s what will be left of your day besides your memories) so will your DIY efforts be what you want to see or should you leave those parts up to the professionals? One chance is all you have, there are no do-overs on your wedding day, don’t have any regrets when you see those pictures.
Jenny and Justin, you did so many things right, the proof is truly in the pictures!!! NV
Green with NV
May 2, 2012 at 3:58 pmWhat a beautiful site to have a wedding…I loved the arbor, nobody in the world has one just like it! I’ve been a florist for 25+ years and I’ve always urged my brides to do as many things for your special day as your able to and put the savings into hiring the professionals with the rest. Once you big day is over, all you have are the photos and your memories and you don’t want any regrets because something wasn’t up to what you had envisioned…there are no do-overs on your wedding day!
Jenny and Justin, you did so many wonderful things…the proof is in the pictures!!! NV
Jenny
May 3, 2013 at 11:46 amThank you so much! Sorry its taken a year to reply. After looking at this when it was featured I never came back to check until I had a request for my wedding dress! 🙂 Thank you so much for you kind words our wedding was truly perfect. Our friends are still talking about it! 🙂
Kelsey
May 2, 2012 at 1:58 pmOh my goodness!! How beautiful!!! Wonder where she got her dress!! LOVE IT!! 🙂
Jenny
May 3, 2013 at 11:47 amI got the dress from http://www.etsy.com/shop/salvagelife It’s a 40 year old vintage dress. The seller is SUPER sweet and awesome! 🙂 Thank you for your comments
Heather
August 14, 2013 at 9:44 pmI am in love with your dress! I have been trying to find something similar but haven’t been able to. Could you give a bit more info about it, please? Year, style, length, material.. etc Maybe this will help me in my search : )
Beautiful photos and congratulations!
Raven
May 2, 2012 at 10:43 amSuch an amazing way to show others & great example on going green, even for your most important day! Beatiful bride & a beautiful way to show God’s wonderful landscape!
mel
May 1, 2012 at 6:14 pmWOW! I am so blown away by all the beauty and the sensitivity to the environment! Thank’s guys for sharing such a special time and place with the rest of us.